Why did Hikigaya save the anime girls in Sword Story?

Page 76

Yukino said with a playful smile.

"What the hell is a guardian?"

This conversation made Hachiman feel the change in Yukino again.

"I say, Yukino, not only can you joke now, but you smile more often too."

"Indeed, is it strange?"

"No, isn't this good? It means you've been doing well while I'm away. You feel relieved, or perhaps very pleased."

"Although it's not very appropriate to say this, because you left, the relationship between everyone, including my sister, has become closer."

“It seems that the efforts at that time were not in vain.”

"Hehe, thank you, Hachiman-kun."

"Hikigaya-san, Yukinoshita-san, it's time to continue your rehabilitation."

"Oh, okay, please."

The therapist who had been watching with a smile on his face reminded him, and Hachiman stood up with the help of Yukino.

"Then keep up the good work, Ms. Yukinoshita, please continue to assist Hikigaya-san."

"Ok"

"Mom, I'm going back now that the visit is over."

At this time, a young girl ran over to greet the rehabilitation therapist.

"Oh, sorry, my daughter is visiting a friend today, so it seems I just stopped by to say hello."

"I'll take care of Hachiman-kun. Please stay with your daughter."

"Sorry, I'll be right back. Please wait for me, Liumei."

"Stay in the United States?"

Hearing the name, Hachiman looked at the girl again.

After a closer look, she found that it was an old acquaintance. The girl also recognized Hachiman and walked closer with eyes wide open.

"Could it be Hachiman?"

"You're studying in the US, you've grown a lot taller. I didn't recognize you at all just now."

"Long time no see! Has it been two years?"

Liu Mei spoke with a smile.

"Ah, Miss America is during summer camp and Christmas activities..."

Yukino also remembered, and Rumi also thought of Yukino and bowed quickly.

"Hey, do you three know each other?"

"Yes, I saw him twice, during the summer vacation and Christmas activities two years ago."

“Ah~ The high school brother that Rumi mentioned before who was being taken care of was Hachiman-kun.

What a wonderful fate! I am Tsurumi Kumi, Rumi's mother."

"I did hear the name Tsurumi when you introduced yourself, but I never thought it would be you."

"Hehe, unlike Hikigaya-san, that's a common last name."

"Mom, let me speak for myself!"

"I'm so sorry. I'll continue the rehabilitation later. Go back to the bench and rest."

"Alright"

Hachiman agreed with a wry smile. He looked at Yukino and Rumi in turn and whispered:

"The big one is Rumi Rumi, the small one is Yukino-kun..."

"Don't call me Liumei Liumei!"

“It’s like a slogan.”

"Sorry, I can't help myself when I see you guys."

As soon as they sat down on the bench, Liu Mei couldn't wait to speak: "Hasn't it been two years since we last met?"

"Yeah, Liumei is in the second grade now? After all, there's a five-year age gap, so it's normal not to see each other for two years."

"Hachiman is so thin, is he sick? Is he okay?"

"Well, just weak."

"Mom, is Hachiman really okay?"

Liumei turned to her mother to ask, and because of the confidentiality agreement, she looked embarrassed. Hachiman, who couldn't bear it any longer, took the initiative to intervene: "Liumei, your mother is not comfortable talking about it. Actually, this matter..."

"Is he seriously ill?"

"No, Miss Tsurumi, can I do it?"

"No problem. Sorry, I have a confidentiality obligation."

"Ryumei, whatever you hear next must be kept secret, okay?"

"Yeah, I promise."

"Then let's go to the bench in the corner and talk."

After the four of them moved their positions, Hachiman explained:

“In fact, one sentence can explain it clearly.”

"Hey?"

"Listen, I've been playing games for the past two years, staying in the US."

"Games? Did you ruin your health by playing too much?"

"I'm playing SAO. You've seen it on the news, right?"

"what..."

Liumei finally understood.

"So it's not illness, don't worry."

"I'm sorry, I have absolutely no idea."

"Haha, there's a five-year age difference and no contact information, so it's normal not to know. No need to apologize."

"Um..."

"Now I'm alive and well. As long as I regain my strength, I'll be fine."

"Almost died?"

"Yes, my life was on the line several times, but luckily my companions worked hard together and I got back."

"Great."

After saying this, Rumi hugged Hachiman tightly and trembled. Hachiman looked at Rumi for help.

　According to "Zero Seven Eight IV〝Qi IV5", Liu 〦 gently stroked the girl's back after getting her tacit consent. Liu Mei suppressed her sobs and cried for a long time.

"Calm down now?"

"Yeah! I'm sorry Hachiman, thank you."

"I'm the one who should be thanking you. Thank you for shedding tears for me."

"Ah, it's already this late. I have an appointment with a friend. I'll come to visit the patient formally next time."

"Okay, let's get along well with our friends."

"Ok!"

Liu Mei waved goodbye, and Hachiman watched her happily leave, and continued his rehabilitation with peace of mind.

"I didn't realize Rumi and Hachiman-kun knew each other. It's a small world indeed."

“It was really shocking.”

"Although I only met Miss America two years ago, she's much more cheerful now than she was then. That's great."

"When you two first met, Liumei was being isolated, right?"

"Ah, I'm sorry, Miss Tsurumi. I said something I shouldn't have said."

“No, thank you instead.

My daughter, who was gloomy every day two years ago, gradually became cheerful from summer vacation to Christmas, all thanks to you."

“It’s good to be able to help”

"correct"

Jiumei suddenly remembered something:

"That kid still often looks at photos of Christmas activities, but there's one photo he won't let me see. Could it be a photo with Hikigaya-kun?"

"Speaking of which, Hachiman-kun, did you take a photo with Rumi back then?"

"It seems that I was asked by someone who studied in the United States to take this photo."

"As expected, although as a mother I have mixed feelings, please don't let that child get hurt."

"Suddenly saying this..."

"After all, I've seen that wedding photo, and I often see other girls who come to visit the patient."

"makes sense..."

"At first I thought, 'What's with this harem guy?' But after actually meeting him, I realized Hikigaya-kun isn't that kind of person."

"Please don't mention this dark history..."

"But Rumi has grown up now. Although it's not her mother's place to say this, with her beauty—she looks a lot like Ms. Yukinoshita—she'll definitely find a good match in the future.

If you encounter a bad man, please help screen him."

"Do I look a lot like Miss Liumei?"

"Super similar! Especially the strong parts are exactly the same"

"What does this mean, Hachiman-kun?"

Hachiman, sensing the murderous intent, quickly tried to smooth things over:

"I mean you are all ice beauties."

"I-I see...I'll forgive you, my beauty."

(Huh, that long-lost feeling of oppression. That was a close call.)

Having survived, Hachiman continued his rehabilitation training.

ALO: Chapter 90: A conversation with Kirito

After the rehabilitation training, the two returned to the ward and received a visit from Yui and Yumiko.

"Hikigaya-kun, Yukino-chan, ah--!"